2025 | Southern Virginia University News

News Release

Southern Virginia University Appoints Brant Brown as Director of Admissions

Dec. 19, 2025 — Associate VP of Strategic Enrollment Kenzie Cox has named Brant Brown as Director of Admissions. In this role, Brown will lead the university’s recruitment strategy, outreach initiatives, admissions processes, and partnerships in support of the university’s enrollment goals.

Spotlight

Finding Common Ground: SVU Students Gain New Perspectives at Democracy360

Dec. 11, 2025 — From Oct. 15–17, three Southern Virginia University students–Janet Brame (‘26), Nathaniel Boone (‘27), and Abigail Hansen (‘26)–traveled to Charlottesville to attend University of Virginia’s biennial Democracy360 conference. Hosted by the Karsh Institute of Democracy, the event gathered leaders, journalists, policymakers, scholars, artists, and students to examine the state of American democracy.

Speeches

A Jar, A Choice, and the Power of Quiet Service: A Message from “Christmas Jars” Author Jason Wright

Dec. 10, 2025 — What began years ago as a simple jar filled with spare change has grown into a worldwide tradition of generosity. On Dec. 5, Jason Wright, bestselling author of “Christmas Jars” and Southern Virginia University adjunct professor, shared that story and its lasting impact during the university’s annual Christmas Forum.

Speeches

Becoming World Class: James Nelson Encourages Students to Rise Above the “Gravity of Mediocrity”

Dec. 3, 2025 — On Nov. 21, James Nelson, retired co-founder and CEO of Sunworks, Inc., visited Southern Virginia University and encouraged students to become world class in whatever they choose to do in their lives–by pursuing excellence with intention. He outlined three key elements that are often shared by people who achieve world-class performance: ignition, deep practice, and master coaching.

Speeches

“What Do You Think?” David Marriott on the Power of Listening and Humble Leadership

Nov. 20, 2025 — On Nov. 14, the Southern Virginia University community gathered for a special Q&A session with David Marriott, chairman of the board of Marriott International. He offered reflections on faith, mission service, family legacy, and a leadership philosophy shaped by service. These lessons, he says, do not form in boardrooms alone, but also instead begin in kitchens, hallways, and quiet conversations.

News Release

Southern Virginia University Receives SCHEV Grant to Expand Student Work-Based Learning Opportunities

Nov. 19, 2025 — Southern Virginia University has been awarded a $25,000 Vision Grant from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) through the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP) Impact Grants initiative. The funding will strengthen the university’s ability to expand hands-on, work-based learning opportunities for students—including internships, shadowing, and real-world projects.

Spotlight

Psychology, Leadership, and Football: Spike Adams Embraces Every Opportunity at SVU

Nov. 15, 2025 — When psychology major Spike Adams ('27) decided to attend Southern Virginia University, it was a split-second decision resulting from an unshakable feeling that SVU is where he is meant to be. Originally from American Fork, Utah, Adams is now in his junior year, and that decision has evolved into a deep commitment to the school and a powerful spiritual confirmation that he belongs there.

News Release

SVU Announces Wendy Kimber as Board of Trustees Chair and Nelson Knight as Vice Chair

Nov. 14, 2025 — The Southern Virginia University Board of Trustees has elected Wendy Kimber as the university’s fourth board chair and alumnus Nelson Knight (‘05) as vice chair. These appointments follow the recent term completions of former board chair Hugh Redd and vice chair Ann Christensen and come at a meaningful moment as the university prepares to celebrate its landmark 30th year.

Speeches

Choosing the Abundant Life: Professor Andy Harris and Instructor Mark Schmidt on Building Identity and Relationships

Nov. 12, 2025 — The Southern Virginia University community recently gathered to learn about living an abundant life as taught by the scripture, reflection, and lived experience. Professor Andy Harris and Institute instructor Brother Mark Schmidt invited students to carefully consider where they place their identity and how they build meaningful relationships, emphasizing that abundance is not a distant goal but a way of living that begins now.

Spotlight

Recording More Than Ordinances: Kyle Tetterton’s Meaningful Work in the Richmond Virginia Temple

Nov. 5, 2025 — For Kyle Tetterton (‘20), working in the temple isn’t just a job, it’s a calling that has reshaped both his career and his faith. As recorder for the Richmond Virginia Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Tetterton says he feels a deep sense of purpose each day, one that reminds him of the connections, lessons, and community he found during his time at Southern Virginia University.

Speeches

Reversing the View: Brett Anderson’s Challenge to Look Upward, Forward, and Outward

Oct. 29, 2025 — As the featured Forum speaker on Oct. 24, tech entrepreneur and pilot Brett Anderson challenged the Southern Virginia University community to reconsider the direction of their thoughts and attention. Drawing on his experiences in the air and in everyday life, he encouraged attendees to shift their focus from looking "inward, backward, and downward" during personal struggles or moments of stress to instead looking "upward, forward, and outward" with faith and purpose.